Cultural exchange

COEUR d'ALENE - It wasn't a performance typically seen in Sorensen Magnet School - or in North Idaho, or in the U.S., for that matter.

Twenty-three Rwanda dancers, barefoot, smiling, exuberant, twisting and bending and belting melodies to stark drum beats.

As the young performers bounded across the stage, raising their arms toward the sky, their American counterparts in the audience cheered, clapping along.

A small boundary to cross, perhaps, but still an important one.

"(The elementary students) are seeing a different culture," said Emma Stephens, volunteer with Asante Ministries that brought the Asante Children's Choir to the school on Tuesday. "They're seeing how much we have, and that even though these kids don't have material things, they are so full of spirit."

For the second year, the Asante Children's Choir, comprised of Rwandan children ages 7 to 13, is touring several states. This week, the choir of many orphaned children stopped in Kootenai County to give free performances at local schools and the Kroc Center.

Their purpose is to raise awareness of sponsoring African children, said Amy Croutch, also a volunteer with Asante.

But they also want to give Americans a glimpse of African life, she said, and have an opportunity to experience U.S. life themselves.

"They love our food, they love our cars," Croutch said. "Back home they walk everywhere."

The members of the dance and singing group, who all live in the same home in Rwanda and have recently toured Oregon, California and Washington, were no amateurs. Their dances at Sorensen looked cardio-heavy, the kids thrusting, jumping and occasionally flipping in sync as their beaded clothes jangled in time.

Choir member Audrey Igiraneza, 13, said afterward she wasn't tired.

"We are used to it," she said with a laugh, adding that the show takes a lot of preparation.

She hopes that audiences taking in their performances see a different side of Africa than what they might have heard, she said.

"Especially Rwanda," Igiraneza said. "So many people think Rwanda is where most people are always struggling. When they see us singing and dancing, they know we have this peace and joy."

Another choir member, 11-year-old Patrick Cyuzuzo, said he has enjoyed seeing America and likes pizza.

"When they see us dance, they see joy in us," he said. "They see Rwanda is a shining country."

The choir will also perform for free at 7 p.m. tonight at the Kroc Center, their final performance in the area.

For more information on the choir or sponsoring a child, go to www.asantechoir.org.

Sorensen Principal Jim Gray said the show gave local kids a taste of African culture.

"We're just grateful that they're taking the time to come to schools," Gray said. "I know their primary reason is to raise funds, and they come in knowing they won't raise funds at the schools. It's just their goodwill to share their music with the kids."